Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel met with a delegation led by U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood, with the discussions focusing on the crucial role of U.S. leadership in Lebanon at a pivotal moment in the country’s history. The talks addressed the vital role the U.S. could play in supporting Lebanon's security, rebuilding its social service network, and ensuring stability in the region.

Speaking after the meeting, LaHood emphasized that Lebanon is at a defining moment, one of those "existential events" that could change the course of the country. He highlighted that Lebanon has faced a series of existential challenges, and now is the time for the U.S. to step up and help Lebanon regain its stability. LaHood stressed the importance of U.S. support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), particularly in addressing the security vacuum in southern Lebanon.

“I’ve said this a number of times during my trip: existential events change the direction of countries, and Lebanon is at that point here today. There have been a number of existential events that have happened here, and now it's the opportunity for the U.S. to play a vital role in really bringing Lebanon back to the country that we all want it to be, from a national security standpoint in the south, in supporting the LAF to go in and fill the vacuum and void there,” LaHood stated.

LaHood also emphasized the importance of supporting Lebanon’s social service network, suggesting a two-pronged approach that includes both benevolent and rehabilitation efforts to address the social needs of the population and assist in rebuilding Lebanon’s infrastructure.

He acknowledged the historic nature of the current situation and expressed optimism about the U.S.'s potential role in helping Lebanon overcome its challenges.

"Secondarily, how do we help with the social service network there, coming in from a benevolent standpoint to a rehabilitation standpoint, the U.S. can play a vital role in that. But now is the time to do that," LaHood emphasized.

He further stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in place for the benefit of Lebanon.

"The ceasefire has to hold. We have to make sure that stays in place for the betterment of Lebanon. The next step is making sure we're doing everything possible to put Lebanon in the best position, and so we look forward to being involved in doing that," LaHood said.

For his part, Gemayel expressed his gratitude for LaHood's visit and the continued support of the U.S. government for Lebanon, particularly for its long-standing backing of the Lebanese Army and its efforts to uphold the country's sovereignty.

“We are looking forward to more U.S. engagement in Lebanon to continue supporting the Lebanese army, and we thank all the efforts of the U.S. government for all these years supporting the LAF and its role, as well as for the sovereignty of Lebanon and regaining control of all Lebanese territory,” Gemayel said.

Gemayel emphasized that Lebanon now has a historic opportunity to address its deep-rooted political and social issues.

"We pointed out that it is an opportunity for Lebanon not only to elect a president but to go further by rebuilding our society and restoring trust between the Lebanese people. I think we have this historic opportunity to do things properly and avoid further mistakes and prevent going back to our usual crises and problems," he stated.

“It is a historic opportunity to go deep into the solutions. The solution does not lie only in electing a president, but also in reconciling the Lebanese people, recreating trust between them, and rethinking the way we manage Lebanon—whether through the political system or the relationship between the Lebanese," Gemayel added. "I think we should fix all of this, and this is a historic chance to do things properly and open a new page in the history of Lebanon—a page of peace, stability, and prosperity for the generations to come."

The meeting, held at Gemayel's office in Bikfaya, was attended by MP Elias Hankach, Kataeb political bureau member Zeina Hobeika, the party president's Foreign Affairs Advisor Dr. Michel Abi Abdallah and the head of the party’s Foreign Affairs Department Marwan Abdallah.